The federal health care law’s second round of Open Enrollment begins in less than a month, and California’s health care exchange is setting up its renewal process.

This Open Enrollment period will last just three months, from November 15 to February 15. That’s half the length of the first Open Enrollment. And if you want your coverage to start as the ball drops on New Years Eve, you’ll need to pick your plan by December 15 and pay your first month’s premium by the end of December.

For Covered California’s 1.1 million current enrollees, “If you’re a Californian who’s happy with your plan, shop around – but then, if you want to keep it, you don’t need to do a thing,” says Covered California Executive Director Peter Lee.

He says you’ll automatically be renewed on your existing plan and get your bill in the mail. Just don’t ignore that bill: “We will not be providing retroactive coverage if people sit on the sidelines. People need to pay their premium, or switch.”

Lee says Covered California is increasing its website capacity and call center staffing to ensure people get the enrollment help they need.

Capitol Bureau Chief Ben Adler first became a public radio listener in the car on his way to preschool – though not necessarily by choice. Now, he leads Capital Public Radio’s state Capitol coverage, which airs on NPR stations across California. Read Full Bio